Method of installing a hydroelectric turbine generator

Abstract

A method of installing an off-shore tidal hydroelectric turbine generator is described. The method provides for a number of safety features, ensuring that all components are safe to handle during the installation operation, and also ensuring that the turbine will not start spinning during the installation operation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a method of safely installing a sub sea tidal hydroelectric turbine generator.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The increased interest in environmental awareness, and a reluctance to rely on non-renewable sources of energy, has led to greater usage of renewable energy systems, e.g. solar power, wind power, thermal power, and tidal power. The latter involves the installation of turbine generators in an area of tidal flow, and converts the energy of the tides into electrical power.[0003]With reference to FIG. 1, a direct-drive shaftless permanent magnet hydroelectric turbine generator is described in PCT Application No. PCT / EP2007 / 006258. The generator 10 comprises a ring-shaped stator 12 and a rotor 14, the stator 12 having a plurality of coils (not shown) located about the circumference of the stator 12. The rotor 14 comprises an inner rim 16, which defines an open centre. The rotor 14 further comprises an array of generally radia...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]As the turbine generator is being lowered into position on site, it is impossible for the turbine to start spinning during installation. This is because the latched contactor cannot change state without a supply signal, which can only be applied through the submarine power cable, the cable remaining unconnected to the turbine generator until after the generator has been deployed. Also, the electrical braking system of the turbine generator requires the receipt of a control signal before the electrical brake can be released from the turbine. As the control signal is transmitted via the submarine power cable, it is impossible for the brake to be released without the power cable being connected to the generator. Thus the installation personnel can be assured that the turbine will not start spinning while the generator is being deployed. Furthermore, as the submarine power cable is switched out and isolated from the main supply grid, installation personnel can safely handle the power cable during the installation operation as it is not live.

[0025]It is important from a safety aspect that it is certain that all sub sea circuits are dead and are securely cut off from the supply before deployment of the generator, to ensure that there is no danger of electrical shocks and / or movement of the turbine during installation.

[0027]As the majority of the steps can be performed remote to the installation site of the turbine generator, this reduces the number of steps that must be performed at the off-shore site, and correspondingly reduces risks associated with operating in variable weather conditions.

[0037]As the turbine generator is aligned with the tidal current, this provides for the optimum performance of the turbine at the installation site.

[0039]The submarine power cable and the generator cable of the installed generator provide a mooring facility for the installation vessel, helping to stabilise the installation site at the off-shore location.

Problems solved by technology

As the turbine generator is being lowered into position on site, it is impossible for the turbine to start spinning during installation.

As the control signal is transmitted via the submarine power cable, it is impossible for the brake to be released without the power cable being connected to the generator.

Furthermore, as the submarine power cable is switched out and isolated from the main supply grid, installation personnel can safely handle the power cable during the installation operation as it is not live.

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